US1959251A - Generator for earth inductor compasses - Google Patents

Description

yMaly '15, 1934. M. M. TITTERINGTCN 1,959,251

GENERATOR FOR EARTH INDUCTOR COMPASSES Filed Oct. 19, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet l 351g in@ @1r/tommy (QW, /fm MLM May 15, 1934. M. M. TITTERINGTON GENERATOR FOR EARTH INDUCTOR COMPASSES Filed Oct. y19,. 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Wage/5M @Home/13a,

,/m www May 15, 1934. M. M. TITTERINGTON 1,959,251-

GENERATOR FOR EARTH INDUCTOR COMPASSES Filed OCt. 19, r1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 May 15, 1934 M. M. TITTERINGTON 1,959,251

GENERATOR FOR EARTH INDUCTOR COMPASSES Filed 001:. 19., 1928 4 Sheets-SheetI 4 @51g iw@ SMOM/w13@ 1 1111 Wmv '1111111' 17 Patented May 15, 1 934 PATENT OFFICE GENERATOR FOB EARTH INDUCTOR coMrAssps Merrie M. Tater-limon, deceased, 1ere er New York, N. Y., by George A. Titter'ington, executom Dallas, Tex., assigner to Pioneer Instrument Company,

Incorporated, Brooklyn,

N. Y., a corporation of New York Application October 19,

26 Claims.

This invention relates toimprovements in and relating to generators -for use in conjunction with earth inductor compass systems.

Among the objects of the invention is to provide a generator for use as a part of an earth inductor compass system characterized by a construction possessing durable qualities and simplicity of design, of which the design resorts to the use of novel elements and in novel expedients lo in the manner of arranging the various cooperating elements whereby assembling, adjusting, maintenance and the replacement of parts is rendered particularly easy.

Another object of the invention is to provide a 5 construction for'a generator which combines the qualities comprising improved operating eiilciency and a minimum manufacturing cost for 'a generator of the class suitable for the use set forth.

In known devices in which a housing for the o armature is provided, it frequently happened that the housing, which is pendulously supported -but not free to rotate, was not properly balanced and in view of such a condition, the pendulous system including the armature and its housing normally assumed an inclined position when the rotatable parts were at rest and hung freely. When such a condition prevailed, the axis of rotation of the armature was also disposed at an angle to the vertical. .After a generator having 30 such construction had been installed and the earth inductor compass had been adjusted with the axis of the armature lying in one vertical plane, there occurred errors in the deviation readings of the compass when the axis of the armature found itself in a vertical plane at an angle to that obtaining at the time of the installation and adjustment. Much care in the manufacture and in the assemblingv of a pendulous system of the kind referred to is necessary in order4 to insure that the fault occurring because of the improper balance of a non-rotating housing or other parts be eliminated so that an armature may have its axis of rotation vertically disposed when'the armature is freely suspended and at l rest. It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a generator having a pendulous system comprising an armature whose axis of symmetry will be free to assume by itself a vertical position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a generator having but one "pendulous system.

. It is understood that if a suspended armature is not balanced dynamically, the axis of symmetry of the amature and, hence, the amature itself will tend to translate and will describe any 192s, serial Ne. 313,487

orbit or a path of revolution about an-axis passing through the point of suspension of the armature or rotating system. It is another object of the invention to provide a means of suspension of an armature whereby a rotating armature which has this tendency to translate will not be detrimentally affected by its means of support and will be permitted'to revolve and describe an orbit about a vertical axis passing through the point of suspension of the armature or rotatingy system.

Another object of the invention isto provide a generator wherein it is not necessary to obtain a perfect static and/or dynamic balance of the armature and associated parts.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel means for pendulously supporting the armature and to provide such means as obviates the necessity of laterally adjusting the center of suspension for the purpose of attaining a plumb line suspension of the armature as nearly coincident with the axis of symmetry of the'armature as is possible to attain.

Another object of the invention resides in providing means for attaining stability of, and for absorbing the energy of oscillation or movement of, the axis of the armature about a vertical axis,

when the aircraft or other carrier is traveling in a straight line and at a constant speed, regardless ofthe lack of possible unbalance of the armature due to an inherent displacement of the center of mass from its axis of symmetry.

Another object of the invention is to provide damping vmeans possessing constancy in damping in all directions and for attaining constancy in damping for any angle of inclination of the generator casing or carrier of the generator relative to the axis of Vrotation of the pendulous system.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for mounting commutator brushes independently of any pendulous system.

Another object of the invention is,to provide a generator having a pendulously supported armature with -.electrical contacting means so arranged and disposed as to be conductive to long wear.

Another object of the invention relates to commutator brushes and has the purpose of imp ving the brush and the mounting therefor whe by the installation of new brushes may be quickly v and easily accomplished. i

`Another object of the invention is to provide a system of lubrication which will serve'to automatically provide lubricantin the desired quanmentvof which is described hereinafter with ref-l erence to the drawings which accompany' and form part of the specification.

In the drawings,`

Fig. 1 illustrates avertical sectional view of a generator incorporating features of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional View of the con- 'tact plug shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a section on line 3-3 of the contact plug shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 illustrates an elevation of the generator casing in an inclinedposition with a part of the casing and base or cover plate broken away so as to disclose the position of the armature and associated parts relative to the casing.

Fig. 5 is a plan of the generator viewed from just above the casing on line, 5T 5 of Fig. l and showing a portion of the base cut away'.

Fig. 6 is a side view of a brush contact and its mounting as seen from the contacting side of the brush.

Fig. 'I is a section on line '7-7 of Fig. 1 showing the commutator and adjacent parts.

Fig. 8 is a plan of the wind-mill or anemometer with a ,portion of a wall cut away.

Fig. 9 is a view of the damping means on line Fig. 10 is a section of the side wall of the generator cover showing means comprising stays for j with a. flexible shaft 35 which extends downsupporting the cover in a lowered' position.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view on line 11-11 of` Fig. l10 showing the cover in its highest position.. Fig. 12 illustrates a front view appearance ofA 'the spring tensioncd clips which support the generator cover inAits highest position.

The casing of the generator comprises a cover plate or base l0 having an outwardly extending flange 11 by which the cover may be secured V to frame 12 of an aircraft or other carrier. 'Ihe -upper portion of the base 10 has a tubular boss l13 extending therefrom-and rover which fits the lower end of a tubular element 14 which encases drive means by which rotary motion is transmitted `to the armature. p

'Ihe cover 15, constituting a portion of the casing for enclosing the armature, is fitted to the lower portion of base 10. In its normal position, cover 15 is so positioned that its upper edge 16 is maintained against rib 17 extending from the outer side of the lower side wall of base 10. The position of the cover l5 in azimuth is determined by lugs 18, Fig. 11,.which are carried'by the cover and extend into vertical slots 19 in the lower side wall of the base, and the cover is maintained in its normal position bya plurality of springs 20, Figs. 1, 4, and 12. These springs have their upper end s secured to flange 11 of the base plate, and their lower ends engage with clips 21 which have slots 22 for engaging buttons 23 secured to the cover 15. Whenever it is desired to inspect the encased portions of the generator, the associated relation of clips 21 and buttonsy 23 is re lieved and the cover 15 may then be removed.

For purposes which will be described hereinafter, I provide a set of stays 24, Figs. 10fand 11,

which are affixed at their upper ends to the outer side of the lower side wall of the base 10. These stays have vertical slots 25 through which protrude studs 26 fastened to the cover 15. When the cover 15 is in its normally raised position, Figs. 1 and 11, stays 24 do not serve to support cover 15. However, when it is desired to place cover l5 in a position lower than its normally raised position, Fig. 1l, clips 21 are relieved from engagement with buttons 23 and the cover is thereafter entirely supported by stays 24, Fig. 10.

. By providing fora lowering of the cover, the oscillation damping means, which will be hereinafter described, is rendered capable of being relievedfrom a functioning relation, and the pendulous system is enabled to assume a natural position whereby accurate compensation and adjustment of the compass may be assured.

The tubular element 14 serves as a column for supporting the bearings 27 and28 for shaft 29. This shaft has affixed Vto its upper end a windmill or anemometer 30 having a plurality of blades 31 by which it is caused to rotate by reason of relative motion of the generator and of air currents. Ordinarily, in general use the influence of air currents is relied upon for providing the power for causing the rotation of the armature of the generator, but it is found convenient to have handy for testing purposes as well as for practical operation a pulley 32 over which a belt maybe passed for enabling the generator to be driven from another. source of motive power. Pulley 32 is illustrated as being integral with the hub of wind-mill 30.

'Ihe lower end of shaft 29 has pinned thereto a sleeve 33 which rotates therewith. The inner surface of sleeve 33 is grooved so as' to slidably engage key portions of member 34 disposed within the sleeve. Member 34 is directly connected wardly through the central portion of base l0. The lower end of :liexible shaft 35 has secured thereto another member 36 which has a keyhead 37 whose exterior key portions slidably engage with the inner grooved surface of hollow shaft 38. Armature shaft 39, which carries armature 40, is fastened to hollow shaft 38.

It is to be noted that many of the objects of this invention have been attained because ofthe conception of the means by which the pendulous system comprising the armature may be rotatively and pendulously supported with all elements of the system capable of universal pivoting or of tilting in any direction in respect to any fixed element such as a main base or other support. Means capable of accomplishing this function has the desired inherent characteristics which render possible the attainment of improved operating results and the use of new and efficient features. Instruments, wherein gimbal support for an armature do `not permit of the attainment of some of the results attainable by the invention constituting the subject matter of this disclosure, nor may a pendulously supported system wherein all of the elements of the system are tiltable in any vdirection in respect to\a base be obtained by a device wherein gimbal rings constitute a part of the pendulous system.

The means by which the pendulous `system compr-ising the armature may be rotatively and pendulously supported comprises a spherical ball bearing 41 whose outer race or element has a -smooth annular surface whose center of curvature is at vthe center of the bearing, and an inner;

race or element having pockets or circumferential grooves for accommodating steel balls which ments which permit relative tilting movement in any direction. It has been found that a ball bearing similar to that described is admirably adapted for the purpose desired. The ball bearing 41 is disposed intermediate shaft 38 and an annular element 42,` one race being secured to shaft 38 and the other race being secured to annular element 42 which is in turn carried by hollow shaft 43. 'I'he hollow shaft 43 is supported from base 10 by means of nut 44 which bears /upon the upper surface of boss 13. The ball bearing arrangement justdescribed permits relative pivotal movement of the casing in respect to the pendulous system comprising armature 40 in any direction, the center of curvature of any such movement coinciding with the center of ball bearing 41. Furthermore, the penduloussystem is enabled to revolve or move bodily about'a vertical axis should it be inclined to do so for any reason whatsoever.

The ball bearing means of support 41 is of relatively small compass and is of such a character that it automatically servesto support the pendulous system freely and in such a position that the normal plumb line suspension of the armature is as nearly coincident with the axis of symmetry of the armature as ispossible to attain. It is further evident that the character of the support eliminates the necessity of varying the position of the point of Vpendulous support of the armature relative to its fixed base of support for the purpose of shifting the angular direction of the plumb line suspension ofthe armature relative to its axis of symmetry. f

As is well understood,l when in use the rotating armature acts as a gyroscope andv tends to stabilize its axis of rotation; and, as the aircraft or other carrier pitches or assumes various inclined positions, the casing of the generator will assume .like inclined positions with respect to the armature, Fig. 4. Under these conditions the axis of flexible shaft 35 will be somewhat curved according to the angular relation existing. The ball bearing means 41 is of such dimension as -to accommodate flexible shaft 35 at its central portion and sufficient space thereabouts is allowed for freedom of movement and for the usual expected flexing of flexible shaft 35. Since the end connections of flexible shaft 35 with associated sleeves 33 and hollow shaft 38 are such as to permit relative sliding movement, it will be seen that the flexible shaft is permitted to assume natural positions under different working conditions.

It is recognized thatv any suspended body is likely to be caused to oscillate because of extraneous forces such as are created byacceleration of changes in direction of flight or to other conditions such as bumpy air. It is desirable to damp out or dissipate the energy of such oscillation and, in order to do so it is proposed to use a damping device comprising relatively movable elements one of which is carried by and is under the control of the armature and the other of which is' adapted to be carried by the casing or other fixed part of the generator.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention a bearing 45 is disposed at the lower end of armature shaft 39 and it is held in place by a nut 46. Disposed about this bearing there-` is a frame 47 having a plurality of recesses 48, each containing a loose plug or ball 49,v Figs. 1 and 9. The balls preferably rest against lips at the inner ends of recesses 48 and are normally maintained in engagement with the outer race of ball bearing 45 by means of a ring spring 50 disposed in a groove 51, Fig. 9. The relation of the frame 47 in respect to bearing `45 is such that frame 47 may assume a natural position out of direct contact with bearing 45 and yet be capabler'of translation in respect to bearing 45 and shaft 39. This expedient saves Wear of the contacts 52 since chattering or vibration is thereby prevented from being' communicated between the contacting device and bearing 45.

Frame 47 carries at its under surfacea plurality of contacts 52 which normally bear against a curved surface 53 constituting a lower portion of cover 15. The curved surface preferably has its center of curvature disposed at the center of bearing 41 so that for any angular position of thev cover 15 in respect to the pendulous system the relation of bearing 45 and of frame 47 will remain substantially the same and a constant bearing condition will exist between contacts 52 and surface 53. However, free floating of the frame 47 is provided for and `the accuracy of the curvature of surface 53 is not indispensible.

The rim of frame 47 is provided with cushion means 54 for reducing the effect of jars which might occur should the pendulous system or cover 15 travel to the limit of its angular permissibility. The limit of angular permissibility is defined by a vertical wall 55*11 bordering the curvedsurface 53, and it is so positioned as to save any rotating part from striking any wall or other relatively movable part.

Hereinbefore, reference has been made to the function of the stays 24 and it will now be clear that these stays are provided for permitting' the cover 15 to be maintained in a lowered position such as that shown in Fig. 10 so that whenever it is desired to relieve any influence upon the pendulous system or cover 15 attributable to the damping device just described, it is only necessary that cover 15 be lowered to the .position illustrated in Fig. 10. In this position the c'over is entirely supported by the stays 24, and the contacts 52 of the damping device do not bear against the curved surface 53, for frame 47 is supported by bearing 45.

In devices heretofore used some of the reasons which caused difllculty in obtaining a proper balance of the pendulous system comprising an armature was due to the design and position of the commutator and the necessity of using long leads for conducting the current to the slip rings. In some devices it was due to the mode of supporting the commutator brushes and to the means utilized for traversing the same. The construction herein disclosed enables the difficulties inci-f dent to such and other arrangements to be overportions'of segments\55 and a threaded locking ring contacting the'retaining ring. 150

The contact points 5'7 of the brushes 58 are disposed so that whenever the inclination of the generator casing with respect to the pendulous system is varied, the commutator, being carried '5 by the pendulous system, will find itself in various angular positions in respect to the brushes with the result that the brushes will not necessarily continuously contact the same portion of the rotating commutator. Each ycommutator contacting element or brush 58 yis held againsta shoulder on a brush terminal 59 which has electrical connection withy anouter or an inner slip ring 60, as the case may be, by such means as a rivet and a conducting strip 61, Figs. 5, 6 and '7. The brushes are pivotal laterally on their terminals. A U-shape spring 62 is connected to the back of each brush and has one end bearing against a stop post 63 so thateach brush may be yieldingly maintained against the commutator. Each brush 58 is releasably held upon its respective terminal 59 and by means of a leaf spring 64 mounted uponthe respective stop post 63 which is made of ynon-conductor material.A

This arrangement facilitates replacement of the brushes, it being only necessary to pivot theleaf spring 64 to one side of the end of a brush terpossible independencyv of the brushes with anyl pendulous unit and that traverse ring 66 and, hence, brushes 58 may be 'traversed about the commutator in but one plane in relation to rbase 10. It is also clear that the slip rings-60 could be dispensed with` and that the electrical wires leading away from the generator could be connected directly with the commutator brushes 58.

As is well understood, the purpose of enabling rotation of traverse member 66 is to permit of a variation of the position of the brushes in respect to the earths magnetic field so as to enable selection of the points of minimum potential for divers position of the magnetic eld in respect to the generator. For enabling rotation of traverse` member 66 the outer edge thereof has gear teeth which mesh with worm 67 carried by shaft 68, Fig. 5; This shaft is suitably supported by bearings 69, '70, which permit rotation thereof. Bearing '70 iseccentrically positioned in bushing '7l whereby the bearing may be moved laterally and assembling .'s facilitated. Lockscrew '72 serves to insure the permanency of the rotative position of bushing '71 and, hence, the

A location of bearing 70.

One end of shaft 68 has pinned thereto a hollow shaft '73 having a grooved inner surface '74 which is engaged by key portions upon member '75. Member '75 is fastened to a flexible shaft '76 which is encased in a flexible covering '7'7. The flexiblelshaft '76 extends to a controller (not shown) which has indications thereon for enabling a navigator to rotate the shaft to a position commensurate withl the course being followed or desired to be followed. The control thus afforded through shaft '76 enables one to orient the 4brushes 58 about the axis of rotation of the armature, and, hence, it is apparent that the relati/gn of the brushes n respect to the earths l'magnetic eld may always be known and varied.

member 56 and shaft 39. Electrical connection is made with each of the slip rings 60 lbyslip ring or plunger brushes '78, '79 which are assembled wlthin a plug 80. This plug is adapted to fit within a hole in the top portion of base plate of leads '78a which are closely bound about ring 10 where it is readily accessible ,for removing,

Figs. 1,'2 and 3. A ledge 81 extendinglaterally from the outer side of the plug safeguardssagainst an improper mounting `of theplug.

Plunger brushes '78, '79 may be moved relatively to the plug and are maintained in contacting relationwith the slip rings- 60 by means of 'springs 82, each of which serve as an electrical connection between its corresponding plunger 82 and leads 83, 84 .which enter the plug through its upper portion. The leads are secured Withinconnected with a deviation indicator A(not shown) which may be, in its simpler form, a galvanometer capable of indicating Whether or not current flows through leads 83 and 84 and, if so, in which direction the current is flowing. The left or right position of the indicator needle of the galvanometer in respect to a Zero position is a function of the position of the -brushes in respect to a position of nil potential. It is further well understood that a change Vin position of the brushes in respect to the earths magnetic field will cause a variation in the indication of the deviation indicator and that this variation may be brought about either by rotating flexible shaft` '76 or by changing the course of the aircraft so that, in either event, the position of the brushes in respect to the earths magnetic eld is changed.

In order that it may not be necessary to frequently inspect the commutator to learn whether or not it is properly lubricated, the arrangement about to be described is provided. The curved lubricant from which lubricant automatically is conducted to the surface of the commutator 55 through a passage 86 drilled at the lower end of shaft 39 and through a pair of conduits 87, 88 each of which has an open end adjacent the rear of the commutator at its lower edge.

There must be disposed in the passage at the lower end of shaft 39 some means for conveying lubricant to the radially disposed portions 89, 90 of conduits 8'7, 88 and for accomplishing this purpose there is shown a Wlck 91. A screw fitted Within passage 86 and supported independently thereof, as by frame 4'7, serves very well the purpose of lifting lubricant to portions 89, 90 while the armature rotates. Owing to the centrifugal force exerted upon the lubricant in portions 89, 90, the lubricant in conduits 87, 88 will be continuously discharged therefrom and come into contact with the commutator over whose spherical surface it will-be spread and provide the desired amount of lubrication for the brushes.

'I'he lubricant which is being continuously cast from rotating parts impinges against `the inner wall of cover 15 and descends to the reservoir from which it will be redistributed. .A ring 92 of felt4 or similar material serves as a filter for separating from the lubricant foreign particles such as metallic particles producible as the result of wear.

, The agitation of the lubricant also serves to provide for lubrication of bearing 45 and of the damping device comprising frame 47, contacts 52 and associated elements whereby constancy in damping is assured. While other provisions may be resorted to for providing lubricant for the commutator, and the use of lubricant in the reservoir formed by surface 53 may be dispensed with, the present system has been found to be satisfactory. It is noteworthy that the same lubricating conditions are maintained thereby even under the various operating conditions to be encountered in the field, and also when the craft carrying the generator is tilted, Fig. 4. A

In Fig. 4 there is illustrated a manner by which it is proposed to associate with the generator a device for compensating for senii-circula` deviation and heeling error. The container 93 for this device is adapted to be secured to the lower portion of cover 15 and since the details of construe.

tion of any particular type of compensating device form no part of the present invention further discussion of the same will be refrained from. An understanding of the relation of the compensating device to the generator is desirable since it is the relation which contributesa reason for providing means whereby the damping device may be rendered temporarily out of use. While the form of mechanism herein shown and described is admirably adapted to fullfill the objects primarily stated, it is .to be understood lthat it is not intended to confine the invention to the one form of embodiment herein disclosed, -for it is susceptible of embodiment in various forms all coming within the scope of the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

l. In a generator, in'combination, a base, a pendulous system comprising a rotatable armature, ball bearing means intermediate said base vand said system foipendulously supporting said` system, al commutator rotatable withsaid armature, said commutator being disposed about said 'ball bearing means and-having a sphericalcontact surface whose center of curvature is coincident withthe center of pendulous support of said system, drive means for rotating said system, and

a flexible shaft associated with said drive means and withv said armature for transmitting the rotary motion of said drive means to said armature, said drive shaft having at least one end in sliding engagement with an associated element and passing through the center of the ball bearing which supports the system.

2. In a generator, in combination, a pendulous system comprising a rotatable amature, means pendulously supporting said armature, and a vcommutator rotatable with said armature, said commutator having a spherical surface whose center of curvature is the center of the pendulous 'support for said system.

3. In a generator, in combination, a pendulous system comprising a rotatable armature, ball bearing means pendulously supporting said arture, and means for conducting lubricant to saidA commutator, a lubricant reservoir, said means comprising a passage adapted to communicate Y with said lubricant reservoir and having at least Aone portion thereof extending away from the axis of said armature.

5. In a generator', in combination, a rotatable varmature and means for damping undesired oscillations4 of said armature, said means including two main elements comprising a contacting device and a member having a surface contacting therewith, one of said elements being movable with the pendulous armature while the other element is displaceable relative thereto.

6. In a generator, in combination, a pendulous system comprising a rotatable armature, a device associated with said armature and movable with said pendulous system, and a member having a surface contacting with said device for various positions of said'surface relative to said device, whereby energy of oscillations of said pendulous system may be dissipated.

7. In a generator, in combination, a pendulous system comprising a rotatable armature, a device disposed at one Vend of said armature, and a member having a surface so curved as to continually l contact said device irrespective of the relative positions of said surface and said device. f

with said pendulous system and movable therewith and a member having a surface contacting therewith, bearings intermediate said device and said armature, and means for yieldingly maintaining said device and said bearings in contacting relation.

l0. In a generator, in combination, a base, a. pendulous system comprising a rotatable armature, bearing means intermediate said base and said system for pendulously supporting the latter, and means for damping undesired oscillations of said system, said means including two main 'elements comprising al contacting device and a member having a surface contacting therewith, with one of said elements being associated with the system while vthe other element is supported by said base.

l 11. In a generator, in combination, a base, a

Apendulous system comprising a rotatable arma-'- "ture, bearing means intermediate said base and said system for pendulously supporting the latter, a damping device associated with said system, and a member having a surface contacting with said damping device for various positions of and a damping device associated with said system and movable therewith, said cover serving to enclose said system and `having Ya surface contacting with said device.

13. In a generator, in combination, a base,

a pendulous system comprising a rotatable armature, means intermediate said base and said system for pendulously supporting the latter, means for damping undesirable oscillation of said system, bearings intermediate said system and said damping means, and a cover for enclosing said system.

14. In a generator, in combination, abase, a pendulous system comprising a rotatable armature, means intermediate said base and said system for pendulously supporting the latter, means for damping undesirable oscillation of said system, bearings intermediate said system and said damping means, a commutator rotatable with said armature, and a cover for enclosing said system and commutator, the lower portion of said cover serving as a reservoir for lubricant for lubricating said bearings, and means to conduct lubricant to said commutator.

15. In a generator, in combination, a base, a pendulous system comprising a'otatable armature, means intermediate said base and said system for pendulously supporting said system, a cover releasably affixed to said base, the inner lower surface of said cover being curved with its center of curvature coincident with the center of pendulous support of said system and forming a reservoir for lubricant, a damping device having connectionvwlth the lower end of said armature and resting upon the lower inner surface of said cover in a bath of lubricant, a bearing intermediate said damping device and said armature, Ia commutator rotatable with said armature, and means for automatically conducting lubricant. from said reservoir to the surface of said commutator.

16. In a generator, in combination, a base, a pendulous system comprising a rotatable armature, means intermediate said base and said system for pendulously supporting said system, a

commutator rotatable with said armature, and a common cover enclosing said armature and said commutator, said cover being carried by said base.

l17. In a generator, in combination, a base, a pendulous system comprising a rotatable armature, means intermediate said base and said system for pendulously supportingosaid system, a damping device associated with the lower end of said system, and a cover for enclosing said system, said cover being normally positioned so as to contact with said damping device.

18. The combination set forth in claim 17, in

whichmeans are provided for supporting the cover out of range ofthe damping device.

' 19. In a generator, in combination, a base, a pendulous system comprising a rotatable armature, supporting means intermediate said base and said system for pendulously supporting said system, a cover carried by said base, the inner lower portion of said cover forming a reservoir forl lubricant, a damping device associated with the lower end of said armature and restingupon the lower inner surface of said cover, a bearing intermediate said damping device and said armature, a commutator rotatable with said armature, said commutator being disposed about said supporting means and having a spherical contact surface whose center of curvature is coincident 'with the center of pendulous support of said system, drive means for rotating said system, and` a `flexible shaft associated with said drive means and with said system for transmitting the rotary motion of said drive means to said system.

20. In a generator, in combination, a base, a pendulous system comprising a rotatable armature, ball bearing means intermediate said base and said system forl pendulously supporting said system, 'a cover carried by said base,f the inner lower portion of said cover forming a reservoir for lubricant, a commutator rotatable with said armature, said commutator being disposed about said ball bearing and having a spherical contact surface whose center of curvature is coincident with the center of pendulous support of said system, means for automatically conducting lubricant from said reservoir to the surface of said commutator, drive means for rotating said system,vand a flexible shaft associated with said drive means and withsaid 'system for transmit- Vting the rotary motion of said drive means to 22, In a generator, in combination, a base, aA

pendulous system comprising a rotatable armature, ball bearing means intermediate said base and 'said system for pendulously lsupporting said system, a cover releasably aixed to said base, the inner lower surface of said cover being curved with its center of curvature coincident with the center of pendulous support of said system and forming a reservoir for lubricant, a damping device associated with the lower end of said armature and resting upon the lower inner surface of said cover, a bearing intermediate said damping device and said armature, a commutator rotatable with said armature, said commutator being disposed about said ball bearing and having a spherical contact surface whose center of curvature is coincident with the center of pendulous support of said system, drive means for rotating said system, a exible shaft associated with said drive means and with said system for transmitting the rotary motion of said drive means to said system, said drive shaft having at least one end in sliding engagement with an associated element and passing through the center of the ball bearing which supports the system, means for automatically' conducting lubricant from said reservoir tothe surface of said commutator, slip against said commutator, and a plug engageable with said base and having spring pressed plungers in contact with said slip rings.

23. In combination, a generator, a base therefor, a casing supported by said base, a pendulous system suspended from said base, means for damping undesired oscillations, said means coacting with said pendulous system and with said casing, and means whereby discontinuance of said coacting relation is attainable at will.

24. In a generator, in combination, a base, a pendulous system comprising `a rotatable arma- 0 tur, means intermediate said base and `said system for pendulously supporting said system, af cover for enclosing said system, said cover be- /ing releasably secured to said base, and means diiferent positions in loosely engaging a driven member. in a driving' connection therewith, and bearing means formed partly by the housing and partly by the rotatable member in such 'a manner as to permit angular movement of the axis of the rotatable member relative to the axis of the housing when the exible shaft is moved out of line with the' axis of the housing.

28. A exible coupling for connecting a driving member to a driven member, said coupling comprising a housing, a rotatable member withinsaid housing, a flexible shaft having one end connected to said rotatable member and its other end adapted to be connected to a driving member, means including said rotatable member for loosely engaging a driven member in a .driving connection therebetween, 4and spherical bearing means between said rotatable member and said housing and constituted by a spherical surface formed on one part and a' series of ball bearings interposed between said surface and the other part to permit angular movement of the axis of the rotatable member relative to the axis of the housingV when the flexible shaft is moved out of line with the axis of the housing.

GEO. A. TI'I'IERINGTON. Ezecutor of the Estate of 'Morris M. Tittengton Deceased. i

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